I'm looking to buy a combo kit for my dad's birthday, mainly for home and DIY projects. He's not a pro, but he'll likely be tackling a variety of tasks like fixing his deck, hanging shelves, and maybe drilling into some brick. I currently use the M18 Brushless tools and really like them, but I've never tried the FUEL line. I do have a stubby M12 impact, which I think feels good in hand, even though some people have grip complaints about their drills. The specs on these two kits seem really close, which makes it hard to choose. He does own a corded drill that could handle heavy-duty tasks like drilling into concrete or brick, too. I'm leaning towards the M12 since he already has the corded drill for the tougher jobs.
2 Answers
Personally, I love the M12 setup. I’ve got the impact but not that specific drill; I have an older version. The M12s are pretty versatile for various tasks, and the impact can even handle some heavy-duty stuff like 8-inch timber locks easily. The M12 drill has plenty of torque for things like cleaning out dryer vents. Just a heads-up, though, the M18 tools can feel pretty heavy, which is why I prefer the M12 for regular use. Plus, if you're considering a larger tool like a sawzall, you might want to stick with the M18 for a single battery system.
I'd go with the M12 for a homeowner and DIYer. The M12 FUEL hammer drill is more than capable of handling most home needs, including drilling into concrete and brick. I've used mine for lots of projects, like putting in tapcon screws in my basement, and it works great!
Awesome, thanks for the insight!